Do Something Unique

No editing, just shipping...

CREATIVITY is fickle at best. Its like fitness. Stop training and it gets harder to start again. There are a lot of times where we just can't be creative.
Our day to day lives can often be very counter creative and sadly there is little to do about that but taking time to do something we enjoy can not only help maintain this skill but also help us in our day to day working lives.

Inspiration is a bitch
It is never around when we need it and appears when it's not wanted (that great idea you had on the toilet or in the shower for example). The annoying thing is that a lot of people assume it appears all the time for those of us that work in the creative industries. The reality is far more boring. We turn up and do the work. If inspiration strikes great. If not, we rely on our experience to get us through the project.

Just Role with it.
The idea behind this image didn't come out of nowhere. In fact, it didn't come from me at all. Someone mentioned I should do an image like that and seeing an opportunity for a creative challenge I took it as a brief and would you believe it, not so much as a hint of inspiration hit me. Not one iota.
I used my experience. I knew one image wasn't going to cut it as it was nearly impossible to photograph anything in motion from a remote location (not behind the camera) was going to be near impossible so I didn't. This is four images in one.

Deadlines are good
It sounds like I am glutton for punishment but really, deadlines are great. I find that they focus the mind well and (as long as they are reasonable and sensible) they are highly motivating too! One of the best aspects behind a good deadline is its ability to force you to stop. It prevents a project from growing arms and legs and trashing your workflow with endless re-writes or reshoot in order to get that perfect image or paragraph. Perfect is impossible. Perfect is what crappy managers who don't understand what they want. Done is the currency of the productive. Done means progress. Done means shipped.

This blog is a great example!
It really is. Don't look at me like that.... I mean, it's not a great blog. There will be more articulate and more capable writers out there than me talking about this very subject but this blog was conceived, planned and executed with the understanding that inspiration will leave me high and dry and that it will have to be finished anyway. So here it is. Just me doing the work.

What about you, are you waiting for the "perfect" time. Maybe re-writing your notes for the "perfect" plan. It's no going to come. Start anyway.

I have and you can support them here:-
https://ko-fi.com/itchyphotog

or just view them here
Twitter:- @KIArchboldphoto
Instagram: @itchyphotog

The Ideas Blog

Now that COVID restrictions are being withdrawn bit by bit it is becoming more important to get moving with projects. Which is kinda what brings me to this blog post.
Having ideas is nice and it's important to have ideas but, they are meaningless without action.
With that in mind here are my (currently) meaningless ideas:-
-Twitch streaming channel for computer gaming
Because if I am going to waste time it might as well be documented.
-Twitch streaming channel for board games
Cause who doesn't like watching people getting smashed playing monopoly and ruining their friendships...
-Twitch Streaming DnD
Ok, first serious idea. The idea behind this was actually running a game where performers could spend a bit of time role-playing and getting some improv experience. Good content with an actual purpose. This would also allow me to play around with lighting and sound!
-Twitch/insta-tv/youtube streaming some photography things
Serious idea number 2. Streaming things I do 'live' allows people to get involved who couldn't or wouldn't normally be there. Allows for community building too.
-More zine making
I really enjoyed putting together the first one 'Locked-DOON' and I will be doing more in my upcoming follow up to that zine.

Zombie apocalypse anyone?

-Model digitals and projects
It has been months since some models have been able to work and updates of digitals (the product formerly know as Polaroids) for them can mean the difference between getting a job and not.

Love the Natural lighting where I work!

I enjoy working with people so if you need digitals or have a project coming up then get in touch and let's see what we can do! Click on my services page for more information. If what you want isn't there then just contact me and I am sure we can figure something out.
-SPECIAL PROJECT 'TIP TOP SECRET'
Ha! Right...Instagram has had it too easy for too long. Those who know me know I have a real issue with Instagram and its batshit-backwards "community guidelines". This project is to bring into sharp focus what these types of rules do to the people (mostly women and LGBTQ people) that use Instagram. Time for a creative protest, and MORE ZINES.
-Science in Scotland project
I have been banging on about this to my friends quite a lot and have had a couple of false starts due to overlapping projects that others were involved in. I FIRMLY believe that the science coming out of the UK is excellent but massively under-represented. I believe a serious photojournalistic campaign is required to start promoting this industry.
-Podcast interviewing Scottish Creatives
I have found lots of really interesting creative podcasts that are great to listen too but they all seem to be a bit too London centric. I understand that the creative industry in London dwarfs that of nearly anywhere else but I feel there is still enough happening elsewhere to talk about.
-Search.er
My vision of a dystopian near future that we are RAPIDLY heading into. Neon UV Cyberpunk feels to these images. You can check them out here. I am still keen to collaborate with fashion designers, prop designers, set designers and, anyone else who thinks they can help with a project like this. I would also like to chat with someone about getting funding to allow us all to GET PAID!!! Anyone from Creative Scotland hit my up.

-Film Developing and use
During the lockdown, I put together a zine that featured images exclusively made on a black and white film. Aside from finding the developing process very cathartic it also produced an unexpected apocalyptic look to the images (kinda felt that way too when I was wandering around the streets) that worked well on paper. I have put together a colour processing kit so let’s see how these come out.

-Printmaking
Speaking of paper, if people like an image they should be able to buy a print of it.
-Learning to video things and video editing
I enjoy making things. This seems like another good outlet and maybe something I could offer clients if I learn how to do it well enough. Who wants to be a movie star!

Sounds like fun!
It does, doesn't it! Should be a blast putting these together but I was wondering if you fancy coming along for the ride?
Maybe you need some new digitals after lockdown or really fancy being part of a podcast! Hell, maybe even you think you're good enough to crew a brig in Sea of Thieves with me (SPOILER you are, I'm shit)!

Get in touch. Let's make something!

@itchyphotog
@itchy_imaging
@itchysworld
itchyphotog@outlook.com

Putting Together my first Zine

“Effective ‘lockdown’ to be introduced Published: 23 Mar 2020 22:24
Part of: Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, Coronavirus in Scotland
Ban on public gatherings of more than two.
The First Minister has tonight called for an immediate stop to public gatherings of more than two people in Scotland in a bid to flatten the curve of Covid-19 spread and protect the NHS.”

-Scottish Goverment

The streets emptied and the shops closed. Life as we knew it had changed.

The question now has become "will this go back to normal?" and “do we want it to?”. As I spend more of my time locked down I see that a project about a temporary lockdown could be documenting businesses that probably will not survive.

One of the clear objectives of this project was to accomplish it as soon as possible as this entire situation is time-sensitive. MUCH more importantly, I had to observe the lockdown (because I don’t want this to go on any longer than it has to and there are peoples lives at stake). I went about a routine of exercise, once a day and took my camera with me each time.

These images were taken almost exclusively with a Nikon F5 and on Ilford HP5 film. This can sometimes make things a little bit expensive but in this case, it wasn't too bad as I was developing and scanning my own film from home. If you are keen on doing this yourself I have provided the link to the UK based Analogue Wonderland.

Why Black and White? No really, why?!? Didn't you buy an expensive digital camera?
yes, ok, fine. It is a bit hipster but I have been shooting film alongside my digital work since I started taking photos. Almost exclusively black and white images I might add... With the removal of colour, an image becomes almost exclusively about the content within your frame which helps to focus peoples attention. I also don't seem to be able to replicate my results from film in digital. That's ok. A lot of people seem to think the two must be linked by skill level and that somehow digital is easier than film. That's not the case. They are just different. When I stop liking my film work I will stop using it.

If you would like to see how how a major city looks when it is stripped of it people then you can get one of these zines(while stock lasts) from my shop here:- https://www.itchyphotog.com/shop

Where I get my film:-
https://analoguewonderland.co.uk/
https://www.ilfordphoto.com/

"Like any great model, she doesn't mind being used."

"Like any great model, she doesn't mind being used."

-Annie Leibovitz

Ok, wait, who is Annie Leibovitz?

Annie Leibovitz - 1970

Born in the USA in 1949 Annie Leibovitz is a prolific and very talented photographer. Her first magazine cover was for Rolling Stones in 1970, the same year she photographed John Lenon for the first time.

Covering the 1972 election she then became chief photographer for rolling stones in 1973 which led to being the tour photographer for them in 1975. In 1980 she took this photo of John and Yoko the same day he was murdered.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono, New York City, December 8th 1980 - Annie Leibovitz

In 1983, she moves from Rolling Stones to vanity Fair. In 1984 I was born...and Annie receives 'photographer of the year' from the American Society of magazine photographers. 1985 she was the official photographer for the World Cup Games in Mexico City. 1986 she had her second solo show at the Sidney Janis Gallery. Skipping a decade, in 1996 she was the official photographer for the summer Olympic games in Atlanta. Skipping another decade, in 2007 she was commissioned for a series of images of the Queen. 2008 Annie was named San Francisco Art Institute McBean Distinguished Lecturer. 2009 received the International Center of Photographies Lifetime Achievement award. 2018 she received the Lifetime Achievement award for excellence in the Arts from the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

...This was a SERIOUSLY abridged biography... just listing it was 5 pages long in the book!

Sooooo where is the quote from exactly?

Annie Leibovitz at work

The book 'Annie Leibovitz at work', a signed copy no less. It chronicles the working life of Annie, from her humble start touring the US in the back of dads car going from military base to military base to shooting a portraits series of the queen. 

Cate Blanchett shot by Annie Leibovitz

In the section of the book where this quote pops up she is talking about her time photographing celebrities. Being fairly late on in the book it kinda comes out of nowhere but it does address the way photographers interact with models (especially celebrities). Specifically, she discussed how stage and screen actress Cate Blanchett's self-confidence "transcended any qualms about the photographic enterprise..." while others feel that "it doesn't seem to them to have anything to do with their work."

Why did this statement about using people shock me?

I don't consider myself a user.

Maybe this is wrong. Maybe I am? This statement forced me to consider that my work might just be that...using people. Does payment justify that? It also highlights my responsibilities as a photographer to the models and other people I work with. I understand that Annie was not using people in the meaning that is conjured up when you say that about someone but it still is a provocative word to be using.

Do you think this is true?

Yes, maybe, No. Ultimately a model uses their body to sell something. It could be clothes or it could be an idea but it is still a type of use. A photographer uses the model to get the image that they want in order to achieve a goal. This statement (the ‘use’ phrase especially) tends to bring up ideas that models are somehow victims which is not the case, not in a professional environment anyway. The models I have met are some of the most empowered and inspirational people I know.

The worst thing about this quote?

It seems to be the main thing that sticks in my head when I think about this book and that is a real shame. It's a great book with some truly beautiful images and important stories about her work.

Let me know what you think about this. Given how short the entry this is I am sure I have been a bit naive and ham-fisted about this.

The End is Only the Begining

So, my glittering career in product photography has come to an end.

Losing a job is never fun. Working for Trespass was my 3rd full-time position and I have been made redundant from 2 of them so far so believe me when I say I know what I am talking about. I feel this might be just what happens for millennials as this seems to be the world we live in now.
You don't get used to it. It is always crap.

Worryingly though, I saw this one coming and didn't move out of the way. Fear kept me in place. That fear is now gone.

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.
This sounds like a sound-bite on a podcast for mental health and that's because it is. I have heard it at least a dozen times from different creatives. Bad things always happen, your reaction to them is what determines how you will deal with it. No point wallowing, time to move on.
Easier said than done in a crisis that has everyone isolated from one another mind you....

What's the Plan?
Freelancing plus a concentrated effort to start working with people rather than for people. Networking. Communicating! Talking. Being part of a community rather than just looking at it. Writing (you are reading exhibit A) and content creation to show that I can be useful again.
Do I have a map? No. No one does. We were sold that idea at school, you know, do well in school - go to uni - get a job - retire with a gold clock and a pension - die. There is only 1 part of that I can safely guarantee and it the job/clock/pension bit! Instead, I know what direction I need to go so I will start walking.

What can I do you ask?
I am a creator. In every sense of the word. While I focus on imagery I love creating solutions! I used to do it in the Army a lot. In fact, that's all you do in the Army! In photography as well, you are presented with a problem (a brief) and you find a solution.
I am an artist. I love being visually engaged with something. A scene on the street, a waterfall, rain on the pavement, the view outside my window or the lack of it. It's what drives my photography and forces me to create to show you what I saw. If you do want to know more please ask.
Here is my LinkedIn URL:- www.linkedin.com/in/itchyphotog
Instagram:- @itchyphotog
my website... you're on it...

Finally, stay safe during these very odd times.
Stay home.
Minimise your contact with other but call/txt/msg/skype/snap etc. lots.

I will see you all on the other side of this.

Practise, Practise, Practise

The idea that 'practise makes perfect' has been drilled into me from a young age. While I don't believe you should wait for perfection (nothing is perfect and so you will wait forever) I do firmly believe perfection should be something we strive for. We will always miss but the closer we get the better our creations will be and the more consistently we will be able to create.
Practise has the real risk of becoming being dull, however. When we repeat a task over and over again it can take something you love and push it firmly into the mundane and risks killing creativity. I have first-hand knowledge of this with product photography. A field where repetition and consistency are key for image creation but remove nearly all forms of creativity from the act of creating.
So the balance must be made between repetition and gripping boredom. If only my school teacher had figured that out. Without this balance, you will burnout.

Variations along a theme, this was shot on film and then processed by me!

This is nice and all, but why are you talking about this?
At the time of writing this, I have been shooting with a model ( Instagram:- @kirstyspence ) for a while and we have been doing the same style of shoot. While not a bad experience it is important for us to stay creative and we are getting better at this style of shoot. Continuing to shoot like this wouldn't be a bad thing but it is going to be difficult to keep creating interesting images by repeating ourselves.

Same old same old

So its time for something new?
Yes and no. We will probably come back to a shoot like this when we have another idea that warrants it but for now, we are looking to shoot in a different setting and create differently styled images. This was it keeps things fresh and what we create will be of more use to us in the future. It also allows us to explore new ideas and maybe hone what we really want to continue doing. Ultimately, exploration is so important in any form of practice.

Switching it up a bit.

Stop Comparing and start Analysing

There are lots of quotes, posters and, self-help podcasts that all say the same thing that I am about to say again. STOP comparing yourself to others. Sadly, that's where they stop. No further advice is given on trying to negate this very human instinct of ours. What I believe should be said is 'stop comparing your self and start analysing the work'.
We compare ourselves on a near minute by minute basis. Walking down the street we casually glance into windows or at passers-by and, whether or not you will admit it or are even aware of it, you will judge, categories and, filter what you see with your own sphere of experience. It's near impossible not to, mostly because a lot of it can be happening without us really putting any conscious effort into it.

Social media has made this worse. In fact, it may have made it into an illness. Being shown hundreds of images and comments a day often with little than a few seconds for each piece of content, a comparison has become a near-automatic act. This automation allows Instagram to target that 'I want' feeling and make money off you through click-throughs and indirect sales. Not to put it too mildly, this IS making us miserable. Add to this that a lot of what you see is SPECTACULARLY curated and I suppose the solution is super simple. We simply stop using social media, right? Great! problem solved. You can stop reading.
Oh but you like social media. Of course, you do, that's what addiction does. You will fight for it even if it is harmful because it pushes the right buttons (specifically the ones related to dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins) in your head to keep you wanting more. But what if we could rewrite how we treat this addiction. Instead of simply comparing, what about we make every image or post or piece of content a learning experience. What if we made ourselves better from them rather than physically sick.
I have started to analyse the images that I like on instagram and, critically, dissect them. From pose to location, lighting to use of shadows I look for what I like and don't like. I then use what experience I have to decide if it is real or not. If not, then again I try to figure what has been done in post to make this image look like it does. Every image becomes a learning experience rather than just an urge or feeling programmed into me. The analysis gives you back the power of the content you see rather than being a victim of it.
Finnaly, this little cliche is really important, your first draft should NEVER be compared to someones published novel. Learning, practise and failure bring us better and better images/ writing/painting/anything! Go fail. Analyse these failures and get better, fail better.